JOHAN KRIEK

Johan Kriek has proved he possesses the talent and the heart it takes to be in the top 1% of the professional tennis world. His professional accomplishments, his devotion to the coaching and development of our future tennis stars, and his ardor for community support attest to Kriek’s ability. His professional career spans over three decades with wins over some of the finest players in the history of tennis. Kriek’s victories include triumphs over Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, Michael Chang, Guillermo Vilas, Andre Agassi, and many other top ranked players.

PERSONAL

• Born in South Africa; lived and coached in Austria from 1975-1978; moved to Naples, Florida 1978; resides in Sarasota, Florida.
• Speaks English, Afrikaans, German and Zulu.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Played on the worldwide ATP tennis tour from 1977-1989
• Reached a career high of No. 7 in the world
• Two-time Australian Open champion, 1981 & 1982
• The only South African to hold a Grand Slam singles title
• U.S. National Indoor Champion (Memphis) in 1982 over John McEnroe
• Reached quarter-final round or better in each of the four Grand Slams
• Holds 14 singles titles and eight doubles titles
• One of the Senior Men’s Tour founding players in 1993
• Ranked No. 1 in both singles and doubles, 1993 and 2000
• Ranked No. 1 doubles player for five years
• Wimbledon over 45 doubles champion, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006
• U.S. Open over 45 doubles champion, 2004, 2005
• U.S. Open Senior mixed doubles finalist, 2003
• Won the U.S. Open Senior Men’s Doubles Championship w/ John Lloyd
• Holds 12 Senior Tournament Titles

Kriek has kept his momentum. He played the men’s over 35 tour with Connors, Borg and McEnroe. For 10 years he was ranked number one in both singles and doubles winning a total of fifteen tournaments. His most recent titles were won with his partner Kevin Curren winning Wimbledon’s over 45 doubles 4 years in a row.

Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Johan Kriek

COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT

Kriek’s coaching career began before becoming a professional tennis player teaching European juniors to earn money for tournaments. He has been coaching for several years and is known for his unique teaching style. His tremendous tennis knowledge, sense of humor, and approachable personality make him a coach kids love to be around and respect. He is probably the highest ranked professional player that is “on court” and is dedicated to the coaching and development of his students. Kriek, coming from outside the U.S. is keenly aware of cultural issues and psychological barriers many international students face. What Kriek brings to the Johan Kriek Tennis Academy is more than teaching technique; it is a winning attitude, a sense of trust and security gained from mentors, keen insight into releasing a player's iindividuality.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Kriek’s kindness and spirit also extends to the community. He is co-founder of the Global Water Foundation which provides clean drinking water to third world countries: www.globalwaterfoundation.org. Generous and giving, he has donated his time to many charities around the world helping to raise millions of dollars with fellow professionals.